Heroes in the Flood: Texas Survivors Brave Devastation to Save Others as Search Continues

As the floodwaters recede from Texas Hill Country, the full scope of the devastation is only beginning to surface. Amid the tragedy, tales of remarkable courage and selflessness are emerging—stories of survivors who, despite their own trauma, are stepping up to aid in the search for the missing and bring light to the darkest hours.

In Ingram, Texas, Julian Ryan is being hailed as a hero. As floodwaters burst through the doors of his home early Friday morning, the 27-year-old didn’t hesitate. With his fiancée Christina Wilson, their children, and his mother trapped inside, Ryan smashed through a window to help his family escape the rising waters.

The glass severed an artery in his arm, and 911 calls went unanswered. Gravely injured, Ryan told his family he might not survive—but he never stopped fighting to save them. He is now remembered as a man of extraordinary bravery and love, with a GoFundMe campaign honoring his final act of heroism.

“He looked at me and the kids and said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,’” Wilson recalled. “He gave everything to save us.”

Not far away, Erin Burgess and her family were also caught in the deluge. As water surged into their home within minutes, they fled outside, clinging to a tree for nearly an hour. It was her 19-year-old son—tall, strong, and steady—who kept her afloat, both literally and emotionally.

“The only thing that saved me was hanging on to him,” she said. “He’s my hero.”

At Camp Mystic, Louisiana college student Emma Foltz acted swiftly as floodwaters threatened a group of young campers. A senior at Louisiana Tech University and veteran counselor, Foltz helped evacuate 14 campers to safety under immense pressure.

“She played an instrumental role in getting those girls out safely,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry wrote, calling her bravery inspiring. “Please join me in thanking Emma for all her hard work and courage.”

While emergency crews continue the search for the missing, it is everyday people like Julian, Erin’s son, and Emma who are keeping hope alive.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a statewide Day of Prayer.

“Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience,” Abbott said. “Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope.”

In a time of loss, these survivors are doing more than recovering—they’re leading, helping, and honoring the lives of those still unaccounted for. They are the faces of courage, and their actions are writing the true story of this flood: one of grit, heart, and unbreakable human spirit.